Southville Milestones:

Diaz's Gunita and Jianoran's I See Everything were both nominees for the Short Film Category of the 23rd Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.

Jianoran's I See Everything was finalist in the Student Short Film Category of the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) New Wave Festival.

Diaz is a fashion stylist and a budding entrepreneur. She owns an online shop called Patches that caters to women who loves vintage clothing.

Jianoran is President of SISC's INK Society, 1st runner-up in the Mr. & Ms. SGEN 2011, and works in a film crew known as Still Thinking Films.

How hard is it to be included/nominated in the 23rd Gawad CCP Awards?

Monica: I’m not familiar with it. But seeing the reaction of those who congratulated us, I think it’s an honor that isn’t easy to achieve. I’m really happy that we got through.

Michael: To be honest it wasn’t really a challenge because I’ve been into amateur film making since I was 15. I just wanted to execute a clean video with my group so the nomination was a bonus.

How did Southville help you with your short film?

Monica: Well, Southville gave us good professors who helped us develop our skills.

Michael: Southville helped by providing us with basic equipment. We pretty much shot half of our short film in the campus. Everyone featured in the video is a member of the Southville community.

What inspired you to create the kind of film that you created for the 23rd Gawad CCP Award?

Monica: Life did. Life is a crazy, uncertain thing that is sometimes ironic. Also, it was a collaborated effort with our group. We all brainstormed and just started developing this story.

Michael: I’ve always been a fan of the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ so I wanted to present the many type casts seen in school settings, that being their ‘book cover.’ Then I wanted to show the reason why they shouldn’t be judged by their outward appearances.

What are your goals after graduation?

Monica: My goal is to actually go back to school in the States, then work in a PR Company, save up and come back to live here in the Philippines and raise a family. The rest is up to God.

Michael: My goal after graduation is to try and break into radio broadcasting here in the Philippines. If all goes well, I’ll get to experience radio broadcasting before settling down with film making in 5-10 years or so.